The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) Test 1. Objective: This is one of the oldest tests done in medical practice. The objective of this test was to determine the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in whole blood. It also helped to assess the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen. ________________________________________ 2. Principle: The test was based on the principle that when blood was centrifuged, the red blood cells settled at the bottom of the tube, forming a packed column. The ratio of the packed RBC column to the total blood column gave the packed cell volume (PCV), expressed as a percentage. ________________________________________ 3. Materials: • Microhematocrit capillary tubes • Microhematocrit centrifuge • Plasticine or sealing clay • Microhematocrit reader • Lancet • Alcohol swab • Cotton ________________________________________ 4. Procedure (Microhematocrit Method): 1. The fingertip was cleaned with an alcohol swab and pricked with a sterile lancet. 2. Blood was collected into ...
PEPTIC ULCER DISEASE(PUD): MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT
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It is important we understand that ulcer is indeed curable and symptoms can be managed effectively for better outcomes.
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| Signs and symptoms of PUD |
For quick recovery, these few steps should be adhered to by all suffering from peptic ulcer disease;
1.Consume food at regular intervals, in general, take small meals every 3 hours. Since presence of food in the GIT stimulates acid production which could errode existing ulcers, it is best to take small portions at intervals to reduce acid corrosion at wound sites.
2.Take meal 2 to 3 hours before bed time. This is because lying down immediately after a meal could result in acid reflux, causing heartburns and exacerbate oesophageal ulcers.
3.Eat food slowly and chew it properly.
Take fresh fruits, salads and vegetables in adequate quantities.
4.Avoid intake of spicy and sour food like pepper soups, pepper sauces and chillis
5.Cut down intake of coffee, tea and other caffeine containing beverages(most soft drinks).
6.Stop alcohol intake, cigarette smoking and tobacco chewing as these are known to irritate the GIT and exacerbate symptoms.
7.Restrict intake of fried and oily food.Foods like akara,puff puff, buns e.t.c could potentially increase pain and discomfort.
8.NSAIDs group of drugs should be taken only on the advice of qualified physician. Stop self-medication of these drugs.
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| Foods ulcer patients should avoid |
TO DETECT AN ULCER, your doctor may first take a medical history and perform a physical exam. You then may need to undergo diagnostic tests, such as: Laboratory tests for Helicobacter pylori,Endoscopy,and Upper gastrointestinal series.
TREATMENT OPTIONS include;
1.Antibiotic medications to kill H. pylori. If H. pylori is found in your digestive tract, your doctor may recommend a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacterium. These may include amoxicillin (Amoxil), clarithromycin (Biaxin), metronidazole (Flagyl), tinidazole (Tindamax), tetracycline and levofloxacin.
2.Medications that block acid production and promote healing. Proton pump inhibitors — also called PPIs — reduce stomach acid by blocking the action of the parts of cells that produce acid. These drugs include the prescription and over-the-counter medications omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), esomeprazole (Nexium) and pantoprazole (Protonix).
NOTE:Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors, particularly at high doses, may increase your risk of hip, wrist and spine fracture. Ask your doctor whether a calcium supplement may reduce this risk.
3.Medications to reduce acid production. Acid blockers — also called histamine (H-2) blockers — reduce the amount of stomach acid released into your digestive tract, which relieves ulcer pain and encourages healing.
Available by prescription or over the counter, acid blockers include the medications famotidine (Pepcid AC), cimetidine (Tagamet HB) and nizatidine (Axid AR).
4.Antacids that neutralize stomach acid. Your doctor may include an antacid in your drug regimen. Antacids neutralize existing stomach acid and can provide rapid pain relief. Side effects can include constipation or diarrhea, depending on the main ingredients.
NB:Antacids can provide symptom relief but generally aren't used to heal your ulcer.
5.Medications that protect the lining of your stomach and small intestine. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medications that help protect the tissues that line your stomach and small intestine.
Options include the prescription medications sucralfate (Carafate) and misoprostol (Cytotec).
THE TRIPLE THERAPY REGIMEN
This is a first line treatment especially for peptic ulcer diseases where the bacteria, helicobacter pylori is implicated.
Triple therapy option usually include a proton pump inhibitor, clarithromycin and amoxicillin(or an imidazole) and treatment usually lasts for 14days.
Alternatively, the quadruple therapy (proton pump inhibitor, tetracycline, metronidazole and a bismuth salt) is a very effective regimen even in areas of high prevalence of antibiotic resistance.
TALK TO YOUR PHARMACIST TODAY and seek for advice on which treatment option is most suitable for you.
Have a great day peopleđź‘‹
©️ PUBLIC HEALTH ORBITAL
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